Study 41 – Decarbonisation of Firing and Drying Processes – Part II

This study focuses on the decarbonisation of drying and firing processes. It follows on from a previous ALLICE study of the same name. Three types of decarbonisation solutions are examined: energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable and recovered energy. The aim of the study is to examine the application of these different solutions across three case studies and to compare the results up to 2050 in terms of energy, economic and environmental impacts.

The applications studied are glass annealing arches, metallurgical tempering furnaces and starch drying.

An initial energy-efficiency solution is being implemented for these three scenarios. It is regarded as a prerequisite for the use of low-carbon energy. Indeed, it is generally accepted that the widespread adoption of low-carbon energy sources will only be possible if energy consumption is reduced. Next, several alternative energy solutions are examined for each scenario: hybridisation, electrification, solar power, geothermal energy, hydrogen and biomass.

Overall, two trends emerge from all the case studies.

Firstly, energy efficiency is consistently among the most economically viable solutions.
Secondly, electrification is invariably one of the solutions that delivers the greatest reduction in CO₂ emissions. However, it is often the solution that generates the fewest savings.

This study shows that, taken together, these solutions enable significant reductions in GHG emissions. To achieve further reductions in GHG emissions associated with certain processes or specific cases, CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage) solutions may be necessary. Finally, it is important to consider the other environmental impacts of these processes, particularly with regard to water.